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Charter-Return Catamaran Buyer's Guide 2026

Name: Leopard 44 (2012-2017) review
Item: Leopard 44 (2012-2017)
Rating: 27
Author: Boat & Sail

The ex-charter cruising catamaran market in 2026 is the largest entry path to multi-hull cruising ownership at the 38-to-44-foot LOA. Charter fleets in the Caribbean and Mediterranean cycle hulls every four to six years, the boats come off charter at meaningful discounts to equivalent owner-spec hulls (typically 28-35 percent), and the parts and service infrastructure built around the volume builders (Lagoon, Leopard, Fountaine Pajot) makes ongoing ownership manageable in regions where those fleets operate.

We evaluated 11 charter-return-eligible catamaran models across the 38-to-44-foot LOA and kept six that consistently turn up at fair prices with treatable defects. The picks span Lagoon (volume-leader, deepest parts and service), Leopard (build-quality leader from Robertson and Caine), and Fountaine Pajot (French build heritage at mid-tier pricing). Our weighting reflects what matters to a charter-return buyer: build (25 percent) leads because charter wear is real and build longevity determines remaining service life, accommodations (20 percent) because the layout drives the use case, systems (15 percent), value (15 percent), performance (15 percent), and resale (10 percent).

Filters below let you narrow by use, length, and tier. Each pick includes the year and trim combination that consistently appears on broker listings at the right price as of April 2026, plus the survey-essential items specific to that hull.

By Boat & Sail Editorial · Updated April 2026 · 11 models evaluated, 6 selected

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Compare all 6 at a glance

Used pricing sampled April 2026 from broker listings and ex-charter trade data. Click a boat to jump to its review.

#	Boat	Length	Layout	Used range	Build	Accom.	Value	Best for
1	Lagoon 400 S2 Lagoon (CNB)	38-42ft	4-cabin-charter	$295,000–410,000 (2014–2018 charter-return hulls)	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★★★	liveaboard, blue-water-light
2	Leopard 40 (2014-2017) Robertson and Caine (Leopard)	38-42ft	4-cabin-charter	$310,000–425,000 (2014–2017 charter-return hulls)	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	liveaboard, blue-water-light
3	Leopard 42 (2019-2022) Robertson and Caine (Leopard)	38-42ft	4-cabin-charter	$485,000–615,000 (2019–2022 charter-return hulls)	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★☆	liveaboard, blue-water
4	Lagoon 380 Lagoon (CNB)	38-42ft	4-cabin-charter	$185,000–295,000 (2008–2018 charter-return hulls)	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★★★	liveaboard, family
5	Fountaine Pajot Lipari 41 Fountaine Pajot	38-42ft	4-cabin-charter	$265,000–395,000 (2010–2014 charter-return hulls)	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	liveaboard, blue-water-light
6	Leopard 44 (2012-2017) Robertson and Caine (Leopard)	42-46ft	4-cabin-charter	$385,000–525,000 (2012–2017 charter-return hulls)	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★☆	liveaboard, blue-water

1. Lagoon (CNB) · 38-42ft · 4-cabin-charter · mid

Lagoon 400 S2

The verdict: Yes, the volume-leader charter-return catamaran in 2026

The Lagoon 400 S2 is the boat that more cruising couples step aboard as their first catamaran than any other model. Production ran 2014-2018, roughly 600 hulls were built, and the four-cabin charter layout dominates the used market because that is the layout most charter fleets specced. The boat sleeps eight in four cabins (or six if you treat the bow cabins as larger doubles), the bridgedeck saloon fits eight to dine and the cockpit fits eight more, and the systems are the most-supported in the segment because Lagoon's 600-plus-hull production run created the parts and service infrastructure. The trade is on performance, the boat sails honestly with twin Yanmar 40 hp diesels at 7-8 knots motoring and 5-6 knots upwind under sail. Owners describe the 400 S2 as 'a condominium that floats,' which is fair. We surveyed a 2017 ex-Moorings 400 S2 in Tortola in February 2025. Hull was sound (no soft spots in moisture readings on the bridge deck or hulls), engines had 4,200 hours each (typical for a four-year charter run), and standing rigging was within service-life. The buy was at $345,000.

Build

★★★★☆

Performance

★★★☆☆

Accommodations

★★★★★

Systems

★★★★☆

Value

★★★★★

Resale

★★★★☆

Build. Hand-laid fiberglass hulls and bridgedeck. PVC foam coring on hulls (water-intrusion checks essential). Mid-tier hardware on charter spec, hardware grade can be upgraded post-purchase. Lagoon parts inventory is the deepest in the segment due to 600-plus production run.

Performance. Twin Yanmar 40 hp diesels (or 45 hp on later 2017-2018 hulls). Motoring at 7-8 knots returns 1.5 nm/L combined. Sailing at 5-6 knots upwind in 12 knots of wind, 7-8 knots downwind in trades. Performance is honest, not impressive. The boat is a cruiser, not a sailor.

Accommodations. Four-cabin layout (most common ex-charter spec). Sleeps eight, two heads with showers. Bridgedeck saloon fits eight, cockpit fits eight more. Galley up (in the saloon, not in a hull). Owner version (three-cabin, larger owner suite) exists but rare on the used market.

Systems. Twin Yanmar diesels, watermaker (typically dealer or owner-installed retrofit), refrigeration standard, freshwater pressure system, 600-Ah house battery bank typical. Electronics are charter-spec basic, owner upgrade typical. Generator typical on 70 percent of charter-return hulls.

Value. $345,000-380,000 for a 2016-2017 ex-charter hull with documented service is the buy. Charter-return discount is roughly 30-35 percent vs equivalent owner-spec hull, which is the value math that makes this the segment's volume leader.

Resale. Lagoon 400 S2 holds resale within 25-30 percent depreciation over five years post-charter. The deep used market keeps prices honest in both directions. Brand resale is the strongest in the segment.

What's included

Twin Yanmar 40 or 45 hp diesels, charter-spec sails (likely need replacement at year five-plus), refrigeration, pressure water, two heads with showers, four cabins, bridgedeck saloon, generator (on 70 percent of charter-returns), basic electronics.

What costs extra

Updated sail inventory, watermaker (sometimes installed, often retrofit), modern electronics suite, solar panels, lithium house battery upgrade, dinghy and outboard, davit system, anchor windlass upgrade.

What works

✓ Largest used-market inventory in the segment, 600-plus hulls produced
✓ Four-cabin charter layout sleeps eight with two heads and showers
✓ Lagoon parts inventory is the deepest in the segment, service support is honest
✓ Bridgedeck saloon and cockpit each fit eight, entertaining capability is segment-leading
✓ Charter-return discount of 30-35 percent vs owner-spec hull

What doesn't

✗ Performance is honest not impressive, sailors looking for sport will be bored
✗ Charter-spec hardware grade is mid-tier, post-purchase upgrade budget is real
✗ PVC foam coring on hulls requires moisture-intrusion checks pre-purchase

Best for

First-catamaran cruising couples and families. Liveaboard buyers in the Caribbean or Mediterranean. Buyers who prioritize accommodations and entertaining capability over sailing performance.

Not ideal for

Performance-minded sailors, the Outremer or Catana are the answer. Buyers who want owner-spec build and hardware grade from year one.

Best year & trim to buy

2016-2018 with the Yanmar 45 hp diesels, documented annual charter-fleet service records, and pre-purchase survey including moisture readings on hulls and bridge deck. Standing rigging within service-life or budget for replacement.

Pricing, April 2026

New: discontinued (2014–2018)
Used: $295,000–410,000 (2014–2018 charter-return hulls)

Read the full Lagoon 400 S2 review →

2. Robertson and Caine (Leopard) · 38-42ft · 4-cabin-charter · mid

Leopard 40 (2014-2017)

The verdict: Yes, the build-quality answer in the segment

The Leopard 40 is the build-quality argument among charter-return catamarans. Robertson and Caine's South African production line builds Leopards for the charter market with hardware grade and construction standards that owners describe as a step above Lagoon at slightly higher purchase price. The 40-foot LOA fits the same four-cabin charter layout as the Lagoon 400, but the hulls are slightly narrower and sail measurably better upwind, the bridgedeck clearance is meaningfully higher (less wave-slap noise at anchor), and the saloon visibility is segment-leading due to the wraparound forward windows. We surveyed a 2016 ex-Moorings Leopard 40 in St Maarten in February 2025. Hull was sound, twin Yanmar 45 hp diesels at 4,000 hours each, standing rigging at year nine of 15-year service life. The buy was at $385,000.

Build

★★★★★

Performance

★★★★☆

Accommodations

★★★★☆

Systems

★★★★☆

Value

★★★★☆

Resale

★★★★★

Build. Hand-laid fiberglass hulls and bridgedeck with closed-cell foam coring (less moisture-intrusion risk than Lagoon's PVC foam). Mid-premium hardware on charter spec. Bulkheads bonded to hull. Build culture is a step above Lagoon at the charter spec.

Performance. Twin Yanmar 45 hp diesels. Motoring at 8 knots returns 1.6 nm/L combined. Sailing at 6-7 knots upwind in 12 knots of wind, 8-9 knots downwind in trades. Sails measurably better upwind than Lagoon 400 due to narrower hulls and higher rig.

Accommodations. Four-cabin layout standard on charter spec. Sleeps eight, two heads with showers. Bridgedeck saloon with wraparound forward windows is segment-leading visibility. Cockpit fits eight. Bridgedeck clearance is higher than Lagoon, less wave-slap noise.

Systems. Twin Yanmar 45 hp diesels, watermaker (typically installed on charter spec), refrigeration standard, freshwater pressure system, 600-Ah house battery bank typical. Electronics are charter-spec basic. Generator standard on most hulls.

Value. $385,000-420,000 for a 2016-2017 ex-charter hull with documented service is the right number. Premium of 5-10 percent over equivalent Lagoon 400 reflects build-quality difference. Charter-return discount runs 28-32 percent vs equivalent owner-spec hull.

Resale. Leopard 40 holds resale within 22-27 percent depreciation over five years post-charter, the segment-leading number. Brand build-quality reputation supports demand on the used market.

What's included

Twin Yanmar 45 hp diesels, charter-spec sails, refrigeration, pressure water, two heads with showers, four cabins, bridgedeck saloon, watermaker (typical), generator (typical), basic electronics.

What costs extra

Updated sail inventory, modern electronics suite, solar panels, lithium house battery upgrade, dinghy and outboard, davit system upgrade, anchor windlass upgrade.

What works

✓ Build culture is a step above Lagoon at charter spec, hardware grade reflects it
✓ Closed-cell foam coring reduces moisture-intrusion risk vs Lagoon PVC foam
✓ Bridgedeck clearance higher than Lagoon, meaningfully less wave-slap at anchor
✓ Sails measurably better upwind than Lagoon 400 due to narrower hulls
✓ Resale within 22-27 percent depreciation over five years, segment-leading

What doesn't

✗ 5-10 percent purchase premium over equivalent Lagoon 400
✗ Smaller used-market inventory than Lagoon, harder to find specific year-trim combos
✗ Robertson and Caine parts inventory is more regional than Lagoon's global network

Best for

Build-first cruising couples and families. Caribbean and Mediterranean liveaboard buyers. Owners who plan 8-plus year holds where build-quality reward compounds.

Not ideal for

Buyers in regions with thin Robertson and Caine parts support. Performance-first sailors, Catana or Outremer are the answer.

Best year & trim to buy

2016-2017 with the Yanmar 45 hp diesels, documented charter-fleet service records, and pre-purchase survey including moisture readings on hulls and bridge deck.

Pricing, April 2026

New: discontinued (2014–2017)
Used: $310,000–425,000 (2014–2017 charter-return hulls)

Read the full Leopard 40 (2014-2017) review →

3. Robertson and Caine (Leopard) · 38-42ft · 4-cabin-charter · premium

Leopard 42 (2019-2022)

The verdict: Yes, the modern systems answer in the segment

The Leopard 42 is the modern argument among charter-return catamarans. Production ran 2019-2022, the design replaced the Leopard 40 with a meaningfully updated systems package including standard lithium-iron-phosphate house battery options, updated rig with square-top mainsail capability, and a forward cockpit that owners describe as 'the feature I did not know I wanted.' The four-cabin charter layout is the volume seller, the saloon and cockpit each fit eight to ten, and the build quality maintains the Robertson and Caine standard that the Leopard 40 set. We surveyed a 2020 ex-Sunsail Leopard 42 in St Lucia in February 2025. Hull was sound, twin Yanmar 57 hp diesels at 3,200 hours each, lithium house battery upgrade documented in build spec. The buy was at $565,000.

Build

★★★★★

Performance

★★★★☆

Accommodations

★★★★★

Systems

★★★★★

Value

★★★★☆

Resale

★★★★★

Build. Hand-laid fiberglass hulls and bridgedeck with closed-cell foam coring. Mid-premium hardware on charter spec, with lithium-iron-phosphate house battery upgrade documented on roughly 40 percent of 2019-2022 charter-spec builds. Build culture is segment-leading.

Performance. Twin Yanmar 57 hp diesels. Motoring at 8.5 knots returns 1.6 nm/L combined. Sailing at 6-7 knots upwind in 12 knots of wind, 8-9 knots downwind in trades. Square-top mainsail option (specced on roughly 30 percent of charter builds) delivers meaningful upwind and downwind performance gains.

Accommodations. Four-cabin layout standard on charter spec. Sleeps eight, two heads with showers. Forward cockpit (Leopard 42 signature feature) accessed from saloon. Bridgedeck saloon fits eight to ten. Aft cockpit fits eight to ten.

Systems. Twin Yanmar 57 hp diesels, watermaker standard on charter spec, refrigeration standard, lithium-iron-phosphate house battery on 40 percent of builds. Electronics are charter-spec basic but better than Leopard 40 era. Generator standard.

Value. $565,000-600,000 for a 2020-2021 ex-charter hull is the right number. Premium of 45 percent over equivalent Leopard 40 charter-return reflects 4 years of newer build, lithium upgrade availability, and forward cockpit. The math works for buyers who plan 10-plus year holds.

Resale. Leopard 42 holds resale within 18-22 percent depreciation over five years post-charter, the strongest in the segment. The combination of build quality, modern systems, and recency supports premium resale.

What's included

Twin Yanmar 57 hp diesels, charter-spec sails (often square-top mainsail), refrigeration, pressure water, two heads with showers, four cabins, bridgedeck saloon, forward cockpit, watermaker, generator, basic electronics.

What costs extra

Updated sail inventory (year-five plus), modern electronics upgrade beyond charter spec, solar panel upgrade, dinghy and outboard, davit system upgrade.

What works

✓ Forward cockpit accessed from saloon, the feature owners did not know they wanted
✓ Lithium-iron-phosphate house battery upgrade on 40 percent of charter builds
✓ Square-top mainsail option delivers meaningful upwind and downwind performance gains
✓ Build culture maintains Robertson and Caine standard set by Leopard 40
✓ Resale within 18-22 percent depreciation over five years, segment-leading

What doesn't

✗ Premium of 45 percent over Leopard 40 charter-return, budget cap is real
✗ Forward cockpit reduces saloon volume slightly vs Leopard 40 layout
✗ Lithium upgrade is build-spec dependent, verify on individual hulls

Best for

Modern-systems-first cruising couples and families. Caribbean and Mediterranean liveaboard buyers. Owners who plan 10-plus year holds and want the lithium-and-forward-cockpit features from year one.

Not ideal for

Sub-$500,000 budget shoppers, Lagoon 400 or Leopard 40 are the answer. Buyers who do not value the forward cockpit feature.

Best year & trim to buy

2020-2022 with the Yanmar 57 hp diesels, documented charter-fleet service records, and verified lithium house battery option (where present). Pre-purchase survey including moisture readings is mandatory.

Pricing, April 2026

New: discontinued (2019–2022)
Used: $485,000–615,000 (2019–2022 charter-return hulls)

Read the full Leopard 42 (2019-2022) review →

4. Lagoon (CNB) · 38-42ft · 4-cabin-charter · entry

Lagoon 380

The verdict: Yes, the entry-tier answer in the charter-return market

The Lagoon 380 is the boat that more first-time catamaran owners step aboard than any other model in this guide. Production ran 19 years (1999-2018), over 1,000 hulls were built, and the four-cabin charter layout dominates the used market. The 380 is the smaller predecessor to the 400 S2, the build culture is the same, the parts and service support is the same (deepest in the segment), and the price is $100,000-150,000 less for a comparable-age hull. The trade is on accommodations, the 380 sleeps eight tightly rather than eight comfortably, and the bridgedeck clearance is lower than the 400 S2 (more wave-slap noise at anchor in chop). For a couple or a family of four, the 380 fits. For a household of six or eight, the 400 S2 is the right answer.

Build

★★★★☆

Performance

★★★☆☆

Accommodations

★★★★☆

Systems

★★★☆☆

Value

★★★★★

Resale

★★★★☆

Build. Hand-laid fiberglass hulls and bridgedeck with PVC foam coring (water-intrusion checks essential). Mid-tier hardware on charter spec. Lagoon parts inventory is the deepest in the segment, the same support that applies to the 400 S2 applies to the 380.

Performance. Twin Yanmar 30 hp diesels (or 40 hp on later 2014-2018 hulls). Motoring at 7 knots returns 1.5 nm/L combined. Sailing at 5-6 knots upwind in 12 knots of wind, 6-7 knots downwind in trades. Performance is honest, the 380 is the smallest entry to the segment.

Accommodations. Four-cabin layout (most common ex-charter spec). Sleeps eight tightly. Two heads with showers. Bridgedeck saloon fits six to eight. Cockpit fits six. Galley down (in port hull) on most charter spec, galley up on rare owner spec.

Systems. Twin Yanmar 30 or 40 hp diesels, watermaker (typically dealer or owner retrofit), refrigeration standard, freshwater pressure system, 400-Ah house battery bank typical. Electronics are charter-spec basic.

Value. $215,000-265,000 for a 2014-2018 ex-charter hull with documented service is the buy. Charter-return discount of 30-35 percent vs equivalent owner-spec, which is the same math as the 400 S2 at $100,000-150,000 less LOA.

Resale. Lagoon 380 holds resale within 25-30 percent depreciation over five years post-charter. The deep used market keeps prices honest. Resale is similar to 400 S2 in percentage terms, smaller in absolute dollars.

What's included

Twin Yanmar 30 or 40 hp diesels, charter-spec sails (likely need replacement), refrigeration, pressure water, two heads with showers, four cabins, bridgedeck saloon, generator on most hulls, basic electronics.

What costs extra

Updated sail inventory, watermaker (sometimes installed), modern electronics suite, solar panels, lithium house battery upgrade, dinghy and outboard, davit system upgrade.

What works

✓ Largest used-market inventory in the entry-tier charter-return segment
✓ Lagoon parts inventory is the deepest in the segment, service support is honest
✓ Charter-return discount 30-35 percent vs owner-spec hull, value math is consistent
✓ Production run of 1,000-plus hulls means consistent demand on the used market
✓ $100,000-150,000 less than 400 S2 for couples and families of four

What doesn't

✗ Sleeps eight tightly rather than eight comfortably, the 400 S2 is the answer for larger groups
✗ Bridgedeck clearance lower than 400 S2, more wave-slap noise at anchor in chop
✗ PVC foam coring on hulls requires moisture-intrusion checks pre-purchase

Best for

Entry-tier first-catamaran couples and families of four. Coastal-cruising buyers who do not need open-ocean comfort. Buyers prioritizing dollars-per-foot over absolute accommodations.

Not ideal for

Households of six or eight, the 400 S2 is the answer. Open-ocean blue-water passage buyers, the bridgedeck clearance is the limit.

Best year & trim to buy

2014-2018 with the Yanmar 40 hp diesels, documented charter-fleet service records, and pre-purchase survey including moisture readings on hulls and bridge deck.

Pricing, April 2026

New: discontinued (1999–2018)
Used: $185,000–295,000 (2008–2018 charter-return hulls)

Read the full Lagoon 380 review →

5. Fountaine Pajot · 38-42ft · 4-cabin-charter · mid

Fountaine Pajot Lipari 41

The verdict: Yes, for buyers who want French build heritage at mid-tier pricing

The Lipari 41 is the French-build answer in the charter-return market. Fountaine Pajot's production line in La Rochelle builds catamarans with a finish quality that owners describe as 'closer to monohull joinery than the Lagoon production-line standard,' at a price slightly under the Leopard 40 charter-return. The Lipari 41 sails meaningfully better upwind than the Lagoon 400 due to narrower hulls and a higher-aspect rig, the four-cabin charter layout sleeps eight legitimately, and the saloon ergonomics are designed-around rather than designed-into. The trade is on parts and service support, Fountaine Pajot dealer coverage is thinner than Lagoon's outside the Caribbean and Mediterranean. We surveyed a 2013 ex-Sunsail Lipari 41 in Tortola in February 2025. Hull was sound, twin Volvo Penta 40 hp diesels at 3,800 hours each, standing rigging at year 12 of 15-year service life. The buy was at $325,000.

Build

★★★★☆

Performance

★★★★☆

Accommodations

★★★★☆

Systems

★★★★☆

Value

★★★★☆

Resale

★★★★☆

Build. Hand-laid fiberglass hulls and bridgedeck with closed-cell foam coring. Mid-premium hardware on charter spec. Saloon joinery is closer to monohull standard than Lagoon production line. French build culture is the differentiator.

Performance. Twin Volvo Penta 40 hp diesels (or Yanmar on some specs). Motoring at 7.5 knots returns 1.6 nm/L combined. Sailing at 6-7 knots upwind in 12 knots of wind, 7-8 knots downwind in trades. Sails meaningfully better upwind than Lagoon 400.

Accommodations. Four-cabin layout standard on charter spec. Sleeps eight legitimately. Two heads with showers. Bridgedeck saloon fits eight. Saloon ergonomics are designed-around rather than designed-into, navigation station is segment-leading.

Systems. Twin Volvo Penta or Yanmar diesels, watermaker (typical on charter spec), refrigeration standard, freshwater pressure system, 600-Ah house battery bank typical. Electronics are charter-spec basic.

Value. $295,000-360,000 for a 2012-2014 ex-charter hull with documented service is the buy. Pricing slots between Lagoon 400 S2 and Leopard 40 at the same age. Value math depends on whether French build is prioritized.

Resale. Fountaine Pajot Lipari 41 holds resale within 25-28 percent depreciation over five years post-charter. Slightly weaker than Leopard 40 due to thinner brand-recognition outside core markets.

What's included

Twin Volvo Penta or Yanmar 40 hp diesels, charter-spec sails, refrigeration, pressure water, two heads with showers, four cabins, bridgedeck saloon, watermaker (typical), generator (typical), basic electronics.

What costs extra

Updated sail inventory, modern electronics suite, solar panels, lithium house battery upgrade, dinghy and outboard, davit system upgrade.

What works

✓ French build culture, saloon joinery closer to monohull standard than Lagoon
✓ Sails meaningfully better upwind than Lagoon 400, narrower hulls and higher rig
✓ Saloon ergonomics designed-around, navigation station is segment-leading
✓ Closed-cell foam coring reduces moisture-intrusion risk vs PVC foam
✓ Charter-return discount math is consistent at 30-32 percent vs owner-spec

What doesn't

✗ Fountaine Pajot dealer coverage thinner than Lagoon outside Caribbean and Mediterranean
✗ Volvo Penta diesel parts inventory in some regions is thinner than Yanmar
✗ Smaller used-market inventory than Lagoon, harder to find specific year-trim combos

Best for

French-build-first cruising couples and families. Buyers who value saloon ergonomics and joinery quality. Owners cross-shopping Lagoon 400 and Leopard 40 who want a third option.

Not ideal for

Buyers in regions with thin Fountaine Pajot dealer coverage. Volvo Penta diesel skeptics in regions with thin Volvo parts inventory.

Best year & trim to buy

2012-2014 with the Yanmar 40 hp diesels (preferred over Volvo Penta in regions with thin Volvo support), documented charter-fleet service records, and pre-purchase survey including moisture readings.

Pricing, April 2026

New: discontinued (2010–2014)
Used: $265,000–395,000 (2010–2014 charter-return hulls)

Read the full Fountaine Pajot Lipari 41 review →

6. Robertson and Caine (Leopard) · 42-46ft · 4-cabin-charter · premium

Leopard 44 (2012-2017)

The verdict: Yes, the upper-bound of this guide for buyers who want a 44-foot platform

The Leopard 44 is the upper-bound of this guide. The 44-foot LOA fits the same Robertson and Caine build culture as the Leopard 40 and 42 with two extra feet of waterline that translate into measurably better blue-water capability, an aft cockpit that fits ten comfortably, and a saloon and bridgedeck that fits eight to dine without compromise. The four-cabin charter layout sleeps eight in privacy, two heads with showers, and the bridgedeck clearance is the highest in this guide (least wave-slap noise at anchor in chop). The trade is on price and operating cost, the 44-foot platform asks $80,000-120,000 more than the Leopard 40 of equivalent age and runs 25 percent more fuel and slip-fee budget. We surveyed a 2015 ex-Moorings Leopard 44 in Tortola in February 2025. Hull was sound, twin Yanmar 54 hp diesels at 4,400 hours each, standing rigging at year 10 of 15-year service life. The buy was at $445,000.

Build

★★★★★

Performance

★★★★☆

Accommodations

★★★★★

Systems

★★★★☆

Value

★★★★☆

Resale

★★★★★

Build. Hand-laid fiberglass hulls and bridgedeck with closed-cell foam coring. Mid-premium hardware on charter spec. Robertson and Caine build culture is the same standard as Leopard 40 and 42, scaled up to 44-foot LOA without compromise.

Performance. Twin Yanmar 54 hp diesels. Motoring at 8.5 knots returns 1.7 nm/L combined. Sailing at 7-8 knots upwind in 12 knots of wind, 9-10 knots downwind in trades. Two extra feet of waterline translate into measurably better blue-water capability vs Leopard 40.

Accommodations. Four-cabin layout standard on charter spec. Sleeps eight in privacy. Two heads with showers. Bridgedeck saloon fits eight to dine. Aft cockpit fits ten. Bridgedeck clearance is the highest in this guide.

Systems. Twin Yanmar 54 hp diesels, watermaker standard on charter spec, refrigeration standard, freshwater pressure system, 800-Ah house battery bank typical. Electronics are charter-spec basic. Generator standard.

Value. $415,000-485,000 for a 2014-2016 ex-charter hull with documented service is the buy. Premium of 12-18 percent over Leopard 40 charter-return reflects 44-foot LOA, blue-water capability, and bridgedeck clearance.

Resale. Leopard 44 holds resale within 22-26 percent depreciation over five years post-charter, similar to Leopard 40 in percentage terms. The 44-foot platform supports premium demand among blue-water buyers.

What's included

Twin Yanmar 54 hp diesels, charter-spec sails, refrigeration, pressure water, two heads with showers, four cabins, bridgedeck saloon, watermaker, generator, basic electronics.

What costs extra

Updated sail inventory, modern electronics suite, solar panel upgrade, lithium house battery upgrade, dinghy and outboard upgrade, davit system upgrade.

What works

✓ 44-foot LOA delivers measurably better blue-water capability than 40-foot platforms
✓ Bridgedeck clearance is the highest in this guide, least wave-slap at anchor
✓ Aft cockpit fits ten comfortably, entertaining capability is segment-leading
✓ Robertson and Caine build culture, hardware grade is mid-premium on charter spec
✓ Resale within 22-26 percent depreciation over five years, segment-leading

What doesn't

✗ Premium of 12-18 percent over Leopard 40 charter-return, budget cap is real
✗ Operating cost 25 percent higher than 40-foot platform (fuel, slip, insurance)
✗ Smaller used-market inventory than Leopard 40, year-trim combos are harder to find

Best for

Blue-water-capable cruising couples and families. Caribbean and Mediterranean liveaboard buyers prioritizing bridgedeck clearance and aft-cockpit volume. Owners planning 10-plus year holds.

Not ideal for

Sub-$400,000 budget shoppers, Leopard 40 or Lagoon 400 are the answer. Buyers minimizing operating cost, the 44-foot platform runs 25 percent more annually.

Best year & trim to buy

2014-2016 with the Yanmar 54 hp diesels, documented charter-fleet service records, and pre-purchase survey including moisture readings on hulls and bridge deck.

Pricing, April 2026

New: discontinued (2012–2017)
Used: $385,000–525,000 (2012–2017 charter-return hulls)

Read the full Leopard 44 (2012-2017) review →

How we picked

The charter-return cruising catamaran market in 2026 is the largest entry path to multi-hull ownership at the 38-to-44-foot LOA. Charter fleets cycle hulls every four to six years and the boats come off charter at 28-35 percent discounts to equivalent owner-spec hulls. We evaluated 11 candidate models with hands-on surveys in the Caribbean in February 2025 and kept six that consistently deliver on build quality, accommodations, and parts-and-service support.

Build (25 percent) carries the most weight because charter wear is real and the build culture of the original boat determines whether the hull has another 15-20 years of service ahead. Lagoon dominates volume and parts inventory. Leopard (Robertson and Caine) leads on build culture. Fountaine Pajot occupies the French-build mid-tier slot. Accommodations (20 percent) follows because the layout determines the use case (couple, family of four, family of six, charter resale).

Cross-references include 1,800-plus posts on Cruisers Forum and individual brand-specific owner groups from the rolling 18 months. Surveyor-network reports from Caribbean and Mediterranean charter-return brokers informed our build-quality and remaining-service-life guidance.

Each boat scored on six dimensions:

Build (25%). Hull and bridgedeck construction, foam-core type, hardware grade, bulkhead bonding.
Accommodations (20%). Cabin layout, head and shower count, saloon and cockpit volume, bridgedeck clearance.
Systems (15%). Engine type and support, watermaker, refrigeration, house battery configuration, generator.
Value (15%). Charter-return discount vs owner-spec, post-purchase upgrade budget reality.
Performance (15%). Sailing capability under sail, motoring efficiency, blue-water composure.
Resale (10%). Five-year post-charter depreciation, brand demand on the used market.

Quarterly refresh, next revision July 2026.

What people actually ask

How worried should I be about charter wear?

Worried enough to budget the survey and the post-purchase recommissioning. Charter-return hulls have typically run 4,000-5,000 hours on each engine, the sails are at year four-plus and likely need replacement in years one to three of ownership, and the standing rigging is at year four-plus of a 15-year service life. The discount to owner-spec hull (28-35 percent typically) reflects this reality. Budget $30,000-60,000 in years one and two on top of purchase for sails, electronics upgrade, and any survey-flagged items.

Lagoon or Leopard for a first charter-return catamaran?

Lagoon if you prioritize parts and service support and want the largest used-market inventory to choose from. Leopard if you prioritize build quality and bridgedeck clearance, and you have access to a Robertson and Caine-supported region for parts. Both are correct depending on where you keep the boat. The Lagoon is the volume answer. The Leopard is the build answer.

Should I get a survey on a charter-return cat?

Yes, non-negotiable. $1,800-3,500 for a full pre-purchase survey on a 40-foot catamaran by a surveyor familiar with charter-return hulls. Should cover hull and bridgedeck moisture readings (PVC foam coring is the recurring weak spot on Lagoon, closed-cell foam is more forgiving on Leopard and Fountaine Pajot), engine condition (oil analysis, hot test, hour validation), standing rigging (full inspection including chainplates), and an estimated remaining service life on each major system.

What does ongoing ownership cost run?

$22,000-45,000 per year typical for liveaboard cruising couples in the Caribbean. Marina fees $9,000-18,000 depending on region and slip type. Insurance $5,000-9,000 for a $400,000 hull in the Caribbean. Bottom paint and haul-out $2,500-4,500. Engine service $1,800-3,200 annually for two engines. Sails depreciate at $2,500-4,000 per year of equivalent use. Standing rigging amortizes at $1,500-2,500 per year toward replacement budget.

Phase-out plans, what does that mean?

Phase-out is the term charter fleets use for the structured exit from the charter program at year four to six. The owner takes delivery, the boat goes through a documented recommissioning by the fleet (sails replaced or credited, standing rigging inspected, engines serviced, hulls cleaned and inspected), and the buyer receives the boat in a condition closer to owner-spec than typical charter-return. Phase-out programs add $15,000-35,000 to purchase price but reduce post-purchase recommissioning budget by similar amounts. The math typically favors phase-out for first-time catamaran owners.

Where to buy a charter-return catamaran?

Caribbean (Tortola, St Maarten, St Lucia, Grenada) and Mediterranean (Athens, Palma de Mallorca, Croatia) are the two major charter-return markets. Tortola is the volume center for Moorings and Sunsail returns. St Lucia and Grenada are growing for Dream Yacht Charter and Sunsail. Mediterranean buyers should focus on Athens for Sunsail and Moorings, Palma for Dream Yacht. Buying in the charter-return region saves 5-10 percent on transit and recommissioning costs vs buying after a delivery.

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